Multi-functional screwdriver

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-functional screwdriver including a shaft forming a pair of coplanar bends rotatably mounted to a handle having therein a compartment for storing a plurality of bits. The shaft is covered with a non conductive sleeve and includes a magnetic bit driver on a distal end for securing bits. To prevent rotation of the shaft within the handle a locking means is provided which includes a locking member pivotally attached to the handle which can be pivoted so that the member is removably inserted into an aperture in the shaft to prevent the shaft from rotating within the handle.

It is claimed:  
     
       1. A multi-functional handtool comprising: 
       a handle, and  
       a shaft forming a pair of coplanar bends, said pair of bends defining an upper section of said shaft, a lower section of said shaft and a middle section of said shaft,  
       wherein said upper section of said shaft is rotatably mounted to said handle and said handle further comprises a locking means pivotally attached to said handle and adapted to be removably engaged with said shaft to effectively prevent rotation of said handle relative to said shaft.  
     
     
       2. A hand tool according to  claim 1  wherein said locking means is a substantially L-shaped member. 
     
     
       3. A hand tool according to  claim 2  wherein said locking means engages an aperture or a groove in said shaft. 
     
     
       4. A hand tool according to  claim 1  wherein said locking means is pivotally attached to said handle by a pin. 
     
     
       5. A hand tool according to  claim 1  further comprising a depression in the handle for receiving a portion of the locking means. 
     
     
       6. A hand tool according to  claim 1  wherein said locking means engages said upper section at a point not contained within or covered by said handle. 
     
     
       7. A multi-functional hand tool comprising: 
       a handle having a compartment therein for storing a plurality of bits,  
       a shaft forming a pair of coplanar bends, said pair of bends defining an upper section of said shaft, a lower section of said shaft and a middle section of said shaft,  
       a non-conductive sleeve circumposed about said shaft, and  
       a bit driver mounted to said lower section of said shaft  
       wherein said upper section of said shaft is rotatably mounted to said handle and said handle further comprises a locking means pivotally attached to said handle and adapted to be removably engaged with said shaft to effectively prevent rotation of said handle relative to said shaft.  
     
     
       8. A hand tool according to  claim 7  wherein said locking means is a substantially L-shaped member. 
     
     
       9. A hand tool according to  claim 8  wherein said locking means engages an aperture or a groove in said shaft. 
     
     
       10. A hand tool according to  claim 7  wherein said locking means is pivotally attached to said handle by a pin. 
     
     
       11. A hand tool according to  claim 7  further comprising a depression in the handle for receiving a portion of the locking means. 
     
     
       12. A hand tool according to  claim 7  wherein said locking means engages said upper section at a point not contained within or covered by said handle. 
     
     
       13. A multi-functional handtool comprising: 
       a handle having a resealable compartment therein for storing a plurality of bits,  
       a magnetic shaft forming a pair of coplanar bends such that said shaft has a relaxed Z-shape, said pair of bends defining an upper section of said shaft, a lower section of said shaft and a middle section of said shaft,  
       a non-conductive sleeve circumposed about an entire exposed length of said shaft, and  
       a magnetic bit driver mounted to said lower section of said shaft  
       wherein said upper section of said shaft is rotatably mounted to said handle and said handle further comprises a locking means pivotally attached to said handle and adapted to be removably engaged with said shaft to effectively prevent rotation of said handle relative to said shaft.  
     
     
       14. A hand tool according to  claim 13  wherein said locking means is a substantially L-shaped member. 
     
     
       15. A hand tool according to  claim 14  wherein said locking means engages an aperture or a groove in said shaft. 
     
     
       16. A hand tool according to  claim 13  wherein said locking means is pivotally attached to said handle by a pin. 
     
     
       17. A hand tool according to  claim 13  further comprising a depression in the handle for receiving a portion of the locking means. 
     
     
       18. A hand tool according to  claim 13  wherein said locking means engages said upper section at a point not contained within or covered by said handle.